|
Release
CAN, November 1, 2012
CAN: THE DOCTORING VOICES MUST STOP NOW!
The Conservative Alliance Network (CAN) is deeply worried
about the phenomenon of voice doctoring and tape manufacturing
in our body politics. This phenomenon must stop now else we
risk losing our peace and stability gains so far.
It seems to us that some people have acquired modern voice
altering devices to create sound bites that sound similar to
important personalities in our society to create confusion and
disaffection. It is worthy of note that the objective of such
nefarious activities is politically motivated. We will cite
two most recent voice doctoring and tape manufacturing cases
to back our call.
Few days ago, the General Overseer of the International
Central Gospel Church (ICGC), Dr Mensa Otabil was the target
of the voice-doctoring group. A tape was widely circulated in
the media purporting to be the voice of Pastor Mensah Otabil.
In the alleged tape, Pastor Otabil was heard condemning free
education in Ghana.
According to the church, “ the tape being circulated is a
collection of thoughts edited from messages/sermons shared by
Pastor Otabil several years ago on different platforms and
pieced together to create the impression that he is taking a
stand on the current political debate on the issue of
education”. So the tape was doctored for mischievous political
propaganda against free secondary education all in an effort
to score political points.
Secondly, last week, a pro-NDC group named Research and
Advocacy Platform (RAP), circulated a tape in the media
purported to be the voice of Anthony Karbo, former youth
organizer of the New Patriotic Party. In the alleged tape,
Karbo is heard making references to a meeting with “macho boys
and bad boys who have come in from Libya, Benin and Liberia”
to disrupt the 2012 general elections.
In a press release, Mr. Karbo states, “I would like to take
this opportunity to expressly state that although the voice on
the tape sounds like mine; it is not me. This is a complete
fabrication and concoction. I have not had any meeting with a
person or group of persons where the agenda of that meeting is
to destabilize this country. I challenge the group to confirm
where this meeting was held, who were the people in the
meeting and what the agenda was.” Despite the challenge, it
has been over a week now; the Ghanaian public has not heard
from the NDC group, Research and Advocacy Platform (RAP) who
originated the tape.
The Conservative Alliance Network (CAN) considers these
developments very dangerous to our democracy and the peace we
are enjoying. This must stop, and now. We are worried about
whose voice will be doctored or manufactured next and its
content.
This year’s political campaign season has been largely issue
based. We commend all stakeholders who have made this
possible. We think that is the way to go. The doctoring of
voices and manufacturing of tapes must stop, and now. The
selfish ambition of some interest group (s) should not
undermine our enviable democracy and peaceful coexistence.
Thank you
SGN
Anthony Abotsi Afriyie 0201207337
Patriot Faisal Ibrahim 0262232000
Edem Agudogo 0243048465
|
